Distributed photovoltaic module automatic spray cleaning system and control method

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of photovoltaic power plant operation and maintenance technology, aiming to solve the problems of poor cleaning effect and lack of remote monitoring in existing photovoltaic module cleaning, which prevents the cleaning needs from being met. The system of this invention includes a monitoring module, a remote valve-controlled water meter, and a spray network module. The monitoring module is communicatively connected to the remote valve-controlled water meter and the spray network module. The remote valve-controlled water meter is installed at the water supply pipeline node of the spray network module, which is staggered with the photovoltaic modules. The monitoring module generates spray parameters based on environmental monitoring data of the photovoltaic modules, water meter monitoring data, and spray monitoring data. The remote valve-controlled water meter controls the valves to open or close according to the spray parameters, supplying water to the spray network module to achieve spray cleaning of the photovoltaic modules. By remotely controlling the coordinated operation of the remote valve-controlled water meter and the spray network module through the monitoring module, the spray cleaning is fully automated, improving the comprehensiveness and efficiency of module cleaning and maintaining the power generation efficiency of the photovoltaic modules.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of photovoltaic power plant operation and maintenance technology, specifically relating to an automated spray cleaning system and control method for distributed photovoltaic modules. Background Technology

[0002] Guided by the "dual carbon" goal, green and low-carbon transformation in the industrial sector has become a national strategic priority. With the widespread application of photovoltaic power generation, distributed photovoltaic systems in industrial plants make full use of idle rooftop resources, which not only reduces the electricity costs of enterprises, but also plays a peak role during peak electricity consumption periods.

[0003] However, distributed photovoltaic power stations in industrial plants face problems such as dust accumulation and corrosion of components in actual operation and maintenance, which seriously affect power generation efficiency. Traditional manual cleaning methods are inefficient and costly, and existing water supply spraying systems also have problems such as uneven spraying coverage, lack of water use supervision, and inability to remotely monitor, making it difficult to meet the needs of efficient cleaning. Summary of the Invention

[0004] (a) Purpose of the invention The purpose of this invention is to provide an automated spray cleaning system and control method for distributed photovoltaic modules, aiming to solve the problems of poor cleaning effect and lack of remote monitoring in existing photovoltaic module cleaning, which prevents the cleaning needs from being met.

[0005] (II) Technical Solution To address the aforementioned problems, a first aspect of the present invention provides an automated spray cleaning system for distributed photovoltaic modules, the system comprising a monitoring module, a remote valve-controlled water meter, and a spray network module; The monitoring module is communicatively connected to the remote valve control water meter and the sprinkler network module. The remote valve control water meter is installed at the water supply pipeline node of the sprinkler network module. The sprinkler network module and photovoltaic modules are arranged alternately. The monitoring module is used to generate spraying parameters based on environmental monitoring data of photovoltaic modules, water meter monitoring data and spraying monitoring data. The remote valve control water meter is used to control the valve to open or close according to the spray parameters to supply water to the spray network module. The spray network module is used to spray and clean the photovoltaic modules.

[0006] Preferably, the remote valve-controlled water meter includes a water meter body, a communication module, and an electric valve, wherein the communication module and the electric valve are integrated inside the water meter body, and the water meter monitoring data includes the operating data of the water meter body; The communication module is used to receive the spraying parameters sent by the monitoring module, and control the electric valve according to the spraying parameters to realize the water flow interruption of the spraying network module; The communication module is also used to upload the operating data of the water meter body to the monitoring module.

[0007] Preferably, the remote valve-controlled water meter further includes an anti-freeze structure, which includes a sealing gasket and a shock-absorbing bracket. The sealing gasket is installed at the connection between the water meter body and the spray network module and / or on the periphery of the dial of the water meter body, and the shock-absorbing bracket is installed on the outside of the water meter body.

[0008] Preferably, the antifreeze structure further includes insulation material and a protective box, which are wrapped around the outside of the water meter body; the protective box is provided with a data transmission interface, and the communication module communicates with the monitoring module through the data transmission interface.

[0009] Preferably, the sprinkler network module includes a main water supply pipe, branch water pipes, and sprinkler heads; The main water supply pipe is arranged along the direction of the photovoltaic module array. A branch water pipe is provided between every two rows of photovoltaic modules. Each branch water pipe is equipped with one or more spray nozzles. The main water supply pipe and each branch water pipe are equipped with a remote valve control water meter.

[0010] Preferably, the sprinkler monitoring data includes water pressure data from the sprinkler network module; the sprinkler network module further includes a water pressure detection unit, which is installed on the main water supply pipe and / or the branch water pipe, for detecting the water pressure in the water pipe and transmitting the water pressure data to the monitoring module.

[0011] Preferably, the monitoring module includes a data acquisition unit and a terminal control unit, wherein the data acquisition unit is communicatively connected to the terminal control unit; The data acquisition unit is used to acquire environmental monitoring data of photovoltaic modules, water meter monitoring data and sprinkler monitoring data and transmit them to the terminal control unit. The terminal control unit generates spraying parameters based on the environmental monitoring data of the photovoltaic module, the water meter monitoring data, and the spraying monitoring data, and sends control commands to the remote valve-controlled water meter. The environmental monitoring data includes the degree of dirtiness of the photovoltaic modules, local weather conditions, and the concentration of pollutants in the factory area.

[0012] Preferably, the monitoring module further includes a data storage unit, and both the data acquisition unit and the terminal control unit are communicatively connected to the data storage unit. The data storage unit is used to store the collected water usage data, sprinkler operation data, and cleaning logs.

[0013] Preferably, both the main water supply pipe and the branch water pipe are wrapped with rubber and plastic insulation pipes.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, a control method for an automated spray cleaning system for distributed photovoltaic modules is provided, the control method comprising: S1. Set the spraying parameters based on the environmental monitoring data of the photovoltaic module, the water meter monitoring data and the spraying monitoring data. The spraying parameters include the spraying cycle, duration and water consumption. S2. Control the opening or closing of the valve of the remote valve control water meter according to the set spray parameters to supply water to the spray network module and spray the photovoltaic modules for cleaning. S3. Collect and monitor water meter monitoring data and sprinkler monitoring data in real time during the sprinkler process, and upload the water meter monitoring data and sprinkler monitoring data to the terminal control unit. S4. When the preset spraying conditions are met, the terminal control unit sends a valve closing command, the spraying stops, the cleaning data for this cleaning session is recorded, and a log is generated; or... When abnormal water meter monitoring data or sprinkler monitoring data is detected, an early warning message is immediately sent and an emergency shutdown operation is performed.

[0015] (III) Beneficial Effects The above-described technical solution of the present invention has the following beneficial technical effects: 1. By remotely controlling the remote valve water meter through the monitoring module, the spray cleaning is fully automated, greatly reducing manual intervention and solving the problems of low efficiency and high cost of manual cleaning. Compared with manual cleaning, which requires frequent personnel deployment, safety facilities construction, and a lot of working hours, this system can be on standby 24 / 7 and start on a timer as needed, significantly improving cleaning efficiency and effectively removing pollutants such as dust and rust from the surface of photovoltaic modules, thus maintaining the power generation efficiency of photovoltaic modules.

[0016] 2. The spray network module and photovoltaic modules are arranged in an alternating manner, which breaks the layout defects of the existing spray system, makes the spray coverage range match the arrangement of photovoltaic modules, solves the problem of uneven spray coverage, and improves the comprehensiveness and uniformity of module cleaning.

[0017] 3. The remote valve-controlled water meter integrates valve control and is installed at the nodes of the water supply pipeline. It can achieve precise control of water supply and avoid uncontrolled water supply. Together with the monitoring module, it can realize the function of collecting and uploading water usage data, filling the gap in the existing system's water usage supervision. It can realize the real-time collection and transmission of water usage data, and the water usage status can be monitored and traced to avoid water waste. In addition, the monitoring module can remotely set sprinkler parameters, monitor status and start / stop control, solving the problem that existing sprinkler systems cannot be remotely monitored. Staff do not need to operate on-site. It is adapted to the characteristics of distributed photovoltaic modules and improves the convenience of operation and maintenance. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the overall layout of the automated spray cleaning system for distributed photovoltaic modules provided by the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the communication connection of the automated spray cleaning system for distributed photovoltaic modules provided by the present invention; Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the control method for the automated spray cleaning system for distributed photovoltaic modules provided by the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these descriptions are merely exemplary and not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known structures and techniques are omitted in the following description to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the concept of the invention.

[0020] The accompanying drawings illustrate layer structure diagrams according to embodiments of the present invention. These drawings are not to scale, and some details have been enlarged for clarity, and some details may have been omitted. The shapes of the various regions and layers shown in the drawings, as well as their relative sizes and positional relationships, are merely exemplary and may deviate from reality due to manufacturing tolerances or technical limitations. Furthermore, those skilled in the art can design regions / layers with different shapes, sizes, and relative positions as needed.

[0021] Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0022] See Figure 1 and Figure 2The first aspect of the present invention provides an automated spray cleaning system for distributed photovoltaic modules. The system includes a monitoring module, a remote valve-controlled water meter, and a spray network module. The monitoring module is communicatively connected to the remote valve-controlled water meter and the spray network module, for example, in a wired or wireless manner. The remote valve-controlled water meter is installed at the water supply pipeline node of the spray network module. The spray network module and the photovoltaic modules are arranged alternately. The monitoring module generates spraying parameters based on environmental monitoring data from photovoltaic modules, water meter monitoring data, and sprinkler monitoring data. The specific acquisition method for each monitoring data point is not limited; it can be adaptively configured according to the actual layout and requirements of the system and photovoltaic modules. Environmental monitoring data can be various data sensors directly installed on the photovoltaic modules. For example, sensors monitor the surface dirt of the photovoltaic modules, weather conditions, and pollutants in the area where the photovoltaic modules are located in real time. These sensors directly transmit the monitored data to the monitoring module, serving as one of the bases for generating sprinkler parameters. Water meter monitoring data can be obtained in real time from the remotely controlled water meter itself, such as the total water consumption for this sprinkler operation and / or the water consumption of each branch of the sprinkler operation. Sprinkler monitoring data can be obtained from pressure sensors installed on the water supply pipeline of the sprinkler network module, monitoring the sprinkler pressure required for stable spraying, or directly generated in the system based on the structure, model, and parameters of the specific sprinkler network module to form the required spray pressure data. The remotely controlled water meter controls the opening or closing of valves according to the sprinkler parameters to supply water to the sprinkler network module; the sprinkler network module is used for spray cleaning of the photovoltaic modules.

[0023] During system operation, the monitoring module remotely sets spray parameters, such as spray duration, water consumption, and spray cycle, and transmits the operating status of the remote valve-controlled water meter and the spray network module, as well as controls the start and stop of the spray. When the preset spray time is reached, the monitoring module sends a valve opening command to the remote valve-controlled water meter. The remote valve-controlled water meter, located at the water supply pipeline node of the spray network module, receives the command and opens the valve. Water flows through the water supply pipeline into the spray network module. Because the spray network module is staggered with the photovoltaic modules, it can evenly cover the surface of the photovoltaic modules with water, completing the cleaning. During the cleaning process, the remote valve-controlled water meter uploads its own water meter monitoring data, such as water consumption data, to the monitoring module in real time, allowing the monitoring module to determine whether the preset conditions have been met. When the preset conditions are met, the monitoring module sends a valve closing command, the remote valve-controlled water meter closes the valve, and the spray stops.

[0024] Through this setup, the monitoring module remotely controls the collaborative operation of the remote valve-controlled water meter and the spray network module, achieving full automation of the spray cleaning process. This significantly reduces manual intervention and solves the problems of low efficiency and high cost associated with manual cleaning. Compared to manual cleaning, which requires constant manpower deployment, the installation of safety equipment, and consumes numerous working hours, this system can be on standby and activated on a scheduled basis as needed, greatly improving cleaning efficiency and effectively removing accumulated dust, rust, and other pollutants from the surface of photovoltaic modules, ensuring the power generation efficiency of the photovoltaic modules. The staggered arrangement of the spray network module and photovoltaic modules ensures that the spray coverage area matches the arrangement of the photovoltaic modules, avoiding uneven spray coverage and enhancing the comprehensiveness and evenness of module cleaning. The remote valve-controlled water meter integrates valve control functions and is installed at the nodes of the water supply pipeline, enabling precise control of water supply. It works in conjunction with the monitoring module to collect and upload water usage data, filling the gaps in existing systems in water usage supervision. This allows for real-time collection and transmission of water usage data, making water usage status monitorable and traceable, and preventing water waste. More importantly, the monitoring module enables remote setting of spray parameters, status monitoring, and start / stop control, eliminating the need for on-site personnel. This adapts to the dispersed layout of distributed photovoltaic modules and improves the convenience of operation and maintenance.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the remote valve-controlled water meter includes a water meter body, a communication module, and an electric valve. The communication module and the electric valve are integrated inside the water meter body. The water meter body carries and protects the internal functional components and also has the metering function of a traditional water meter. The water meter monitoring data includes the operating data of the water meter body. The communication module is used to receive the spray parameters sent by the monitoring module and control the electric valve according to the spray parameters to realize the water flow interruption of the spray network module. The communication module is also used to upload the operating data of the water meter body to the monitoring module. Specifically, the communication module and the electric valve are both integrated inside the water meter body, forming an integrated smart terminal. During operation, the communication module continuously listens for instructions from the monitoring module. When it receives a valve opening instruction, the communication module drives the electric valve to move, causing the valve core inside the valve to move, opening the water flow channel, and allowing water to flow towards the sprinkler network module. At the same time, the metering mechanism inside the water meter body records the amount of water flowing through, and the communication module uploads this data to the monitoring module in real time. For example, the mechanical metering mechanism inside the water meter body continuously senses the water flow and generates pulse signals proportional to the flow rate. The communication module reads these pulse signals and converts them into water consumption data. When it receives a valve closing instruction, the communication module drives the electric valve to close, cutting off the water flow, and uploads the final water consumption data.

[0026] This integrated design places all connections inside the water meter, resulting in shorter cables protected by the casing, improving structural compactness and operational stability. This is particularly beneficial in space-constrained environments such as factory rooftop pipe shafts and equipment mezzanines, significantly reducing the equipment's footprint and facilitating installation in confined spaces. More importantly, electric valves replace traditional manual valves, enabling remote control via a communication module, resulting in faster response times and eliminating delays and errors associated with manual on-site operation.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the remote valve-controlled water meter also includes an anti-freeze structure. This structure comprises a sealing gasket and a shock-absorbing bracket. The sealing gasket is installed at the connection between the water meter body and the sprinkler network module, and / or on the periphery of the water meter dial. As an elastic sealing element, the sealing gasket is installed at the connection between the water meter body and the sprinkler network module pipeline, i.e., at the interface flange or thread, and also on the periphery of the water meter dial, i.e., at the joint between the dial glass and the meter casing. It fills the gaps between the joint surfaces, preventing cold air infiltration and water leakage, and reducing the risk of freezing. The shock-absorbing bracket, as a mechanical fixing and buffering element, is installed on the outside of the water meter body. For example, it uses a clamp-type, base-type, or hanging structure to fix the water meter body, connecting it to the pipe support, wall, or other fixed structure. It absorbs and buffers vibrations from the pipeline, water hammer impacts, or external impacts, ensuring that the sealing gasket is always under design compression, maintaining an effective seal, and further improving the sealing and anti-freeze effect.

[0028] With this design, the sealing gasket, after being installed at the connection point, retains a certain degree of flexibility due to its elastic material, such as EPDM rubber, silicone, or fluororubber, even in sub-zero environments. When the interface or the external structure of the water meter shrinks due to low temperatures, the gasket can be compressed or stretched to fill the gaps, preventing loosening and leakage. The shock-absorbing bracket cuts off the vibration path between the water meter and the pipeline. For example, when equipment such as forklifts accidentally impacts the water supply pipeline, the vibration propagates along the pipeline. The shock-absorbing bracket firmly fixes the water meter to the building structure, absorbing or guiding the pipeline vibration into the building structure, leaving the water meter itself almost unaffected. This protects the water meter structure from damage and ensures the stability of the water meter and pipeline interface. Furthermore, improving the sealing effect of the water meter body provides a stable working environment for its internal electronic components and circuits, ensuring the overall stability of the system's long-term operation and reducing maintenance costs.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the antifreeze structure also includes insulation material and a protective box. The insulation material and protective box are wrapped around the outside of the water meter body. The insulation material, such as rubber and plastic sponge or polyethylene foam, tightly wraps the water meter body to form a heat insulation layer. When the ambient temperature is below 0°C, the insulation layer slows down the rate at which heat is lost from the inside of the water meter to the outside, thus reducing the rate at which the water temperature inside the water meter drops. During a short period of low temperature, the insulation layer can extend the time that the water temperature is kept above the freezing point, thereby preventing freezing. The protective box is installed on the outside of the insulation material, completely covering the water meter body and the insulation material. The protective box is fixed to the wall or shockproof bracket by bolts, clips, etc., to prevent external forces from directly acting on the water meter. At the same time, a data transmission interface is provided on the protective box. The communication module communicates with the monitoring module through the data transmission interface. This interface is designed according to different communication methods. If it is wired communication, the interface is a waterproof cable hole with a sealed connector, such as a PG connector or an M-type connector, which prevents rainwater from seeping in along the cable and ensures reliable cable connection. If it is wireless communication, the interface is a non-metallic window corresponding to the antenna position. The window material is made of plastic with low signal attenuation to ensure signal strength.

[0030] This design, with the insulation material and sealing gasket working synergistically, provides dual protection through sealing and insulation, significantly improving antifreeze performance. This allows the remote valve-controlled water meter to operate normally in lower temperatures, further expanding the geographical applicability of the cleaning system, such as adapting to cold regions or low-temperature winter environments. The protective box provides secondary physical protection on the outside of the insulation material, and combined with the shock-absorbing bracket, effectively resists various external forces in industrial plants, further enhancing the water meter's operational stability and service life. The data transmission interface balances the protective enclosure with smooth data transmission, avoiding communication failures caused by the added protective structure, and ensuring the real-time and accurate transmission of water data acquisition and control commands.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the sprinkler network module includes a main water supply pipe, branch water pipes, and sprinkler heads. The main water supply pipe is arranged along the direction of the photovoltaic module array, typically parallel to the module arrangement direction, and delivers water from the inlet to each branch water pipe. The pipe diameter is relatively large to meet the flow requirements of simultaneous water supply from multiple branch pipes. A branch water pipe is located between every two rows of photovoltaic modules, perpendicular to the main water supply pipe or extending along the gaps between the photovoltaic modules. This branch water pipe is responsible for delivering water from the main water supply pipe to the sprinkler positions on the photovoltaic modules. Its smaller diameter allows for flexible arrangement between the modules. Each branch water pipe is connected to one or more sprinkler heads, adaptively configured according to the actual conditions of the photovoltaic modules. The sprinkler heads will... Water is sprayed directionally onto the surface of the photovoltaic modules. Furthermore, the height of the spray nozzles is uniformly 30cm above the photovoltaic modules, with an inclination angle of 15° to avoid obstructing the modules and affecting sunlight. A single spray nozzle can cover an area with a diameter of 15 meters, ensuring that there are no dead angles in the spraying. Remote valve control water meters are installed on the main water supply pipe and each branch water pipe. Specifically, one or more remote valve control water meters are installed on the main water supply pipe to control the overall water supply of the entire spraying system and to measure the total water consumption. A remote valve control water meter is installed on each branch water pipe to independently control the water supply of that branch area and to measure the water consumption of that area, thereby achieving hierarchical control and hierarchical metering.

[0032] With this setup, branch water pipes are installed between every two rows of modules, coordinating with the coverage of the sprinklers to simultaneously cover the photovoltaic modules on both sides. This ensures that the spray water reaches the surface of the photovoltaic modules with minimal attenuation, avoiding insufficient water pressure or spray deviation caused by long-distance spraying, and ensuring that there are no blind spots in the cleaning of the photovoltaic module array. Remote valve-controlled water meters are installed on the main water supply pipe to control the total water supply of the entire sprinkler system. In emergencies, the main water supply can be cut off with a single click, while simultaneously measuring the total water consumption and comparing it with the sum of the water consumption of each sub-meter to determine if there is a pipe leak. Remote valve-controlled water meters are installed on the branch water pipes to achieve independent control of specific areas. For example, if one side of the plant is close to a pollution source with a high concentration of pollutants, the spray frequency on the east side can be increased separately, while the other side maintains a normal frequency. Furthermore, when a pipe ruptures or a sprinkler becomes clogged in a branch area, the valve of that branch water meter can be remotely shut off, isolating only the affected area without affecting the normal spraying of other areas, maximizing the system's cleaning efficiency.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the sprinkler monitoring data includes water pressure data from the sprinkler network module. The sprinkler network module further includes a water pressure detection unit, which is installed on the main water supply pipe and / or branch pipes. This unit senses the water pressure value within the pipe in real time and converts the pressure signal into an electrical signal, which is then transmitted to the monitoring module via wired or wireless means. The water pressure detection unit is installed at a predetermined location on the water supply pipe, typically connected to the pipe via threads or flanges. Its pressure-sensing diaphragm is in contact with the water flow within the pipe. When the sprinkler system is running, the water flow through the pipe generates water pressure. This pressure acts on the pressure-sensing diaphragm, causing the internal sensing element, such as a piezoresistive or capacitive sensor, to generate an electrical signal proportional to the pressure, which is then uploaded to the monitoring module.

[0034] Furthermore, the sprinkler head has a starting water pressure requirement. When the water pressure in the pipe reaches the sprinkler head's starting threshold, such as 0.25 MPa, the sprinkler head automatically starts. The monitoring module determines whether the starting conditions are met by analyzing the pressure data. During the spraying process, the pressure should be maintained within a certain range, such as 0.25-0.3 MPa. If the pressure drops suddenly, it may indicate insufficient water supply, pipe rupture, or sprinkler head detachment. If the pressure rises suddenly, it may indicate sprinkler head blockage, valve not fully open, or foreign objects in the pipe. The monitoring module can adjust the water supply strategy based on the pressure data. For example, if the pressure of a branch pipe is detected to be low, other branches can be temporarily shut down to concentrate water supply. If the pressure of a branch pipe is detected to be high, that branch will be shut down, providing an early warning.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, a booster pump is installed on the main water supply pipe and / or branch water pipes. When the water pressure of the water source supply cannot meet the start-up threshold of the sprinkler head, the booster pump can be turned on to increase the water pressure of the water supply network module, thereby enabling the sprinkler cleaning operation.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the monitoring module includes a data acquisition unit and a terminal control unit. The data acquisition unit is communicatively connected to the terminal control unit. The remote valve-controlled water meter and the sprinkler network module are also communicatively connected to the data acquisition unit. The data acquisition unit establishes communication connections with the communication module of the remote valve-controlled water meter and the water pressure detection unit in the sprinkler network module. The data acquisition unit is used to acquire environmental monitoring data from the photovoltaic modules, water meter monitoring data, and sprinkler monitoring data. It is responsible for periodically collecting various operational data, such as water consumption, water pressure, and sprinkler head status, and uploading the data to the terminal control unit. The terminal control unit is typically a mobile app, computer software, web platform, or dedicated control screen. Based on the environmental monitoring data from the photovoltaic modules, water meter monitoring data, and sprinkler monitoring data, the terminal control unit generates sprinkler parameters and sends control commands to the remote valve-controlled water meter. It can also display current operational data, such as sprinkler progress, current water consumption, and sprinkler water pressure. The environmental monitoring data includes the degree of contamination of the photovoltaic modules, local weather conditions, and the concentration of pollutants in the plant area. This ensures that each spray is tailored to the actual needs of the photovoltaic modules, making the cleaning operation more suitable for the characteristics of dirt on the photovoltaic modules in the industrial plant and improving the cleaning effect.

[0037] With this setup, the data acquisition unit serves as a unified data entry point, aggregating various data from the remote valve control water meter and the sprinkler network module, thereby improving the accuracy and real-time performance of data acquisition. The terminal control unit serves as a unified human-machine interface, allowing staff to complete all operations such as setting sprinkler parameters, sending control commands, and viewing operating status through a single terminal, achieving one-stop remote operation and maintenance, significantly improving the convenience of operation and maintenance, and reducing the workload of manual operation and maintenance.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the monitoring module further includes a data storage unit. Both the data acquisition unit and the terminal control unit are communicatively connected to the data storage unit, which stores the collected water usage data, sprinkler operation data, and cleaning logs. The water usage data and sprinkler operation data collected by the data acquisition unit are simultaneously transmitted to the data storage unit for real-time storage while being uploaded to the terminal control unit. The cleaning logs generated by the terminal control unit after the sprinkler process is completed, including information such as the cleaning area, sprinkler duration, and water consumption, are also simultaneously stored in the data storage unit. Staff can send retrieval commands to the data storage unit through the terminal control unit to view and analyze historical data and cleaning logs, enabling data traceability and reuse.

[0039] With this setup, the data storage unit provides a dedicated storage medium for system operation data and cleaning logs, preventing data loss due to power outages or malfunctions. This ensures full traceability of the cleaning process and system operation status, allowing for rapid identification of the cause of issues such as incomplete cleaning or abnormal water usage. By analyzing historical water usage and spray operation data in the data storage unit, staff can summarize the patterns of photovoltaic module contamination, system water usage patterns, and the cleaning effects of different spray parameters. This allows for optimization of spray parameters, improving cleaning efficiency and the rationality of water usage management, ultimately achieving continuous system operation and maintenance optimization.

[0040] In the preferred configuration, both the main water supply pipe and branch pipes are externally wrapped with rubber-plastic insulation pipes. These serve as insulation and protection components for the sprinkler network module piping, providing insulation, freeze protection, and anti-aging protection. The rubber-plastic insulation pipes ensure stable operation of the sprinkler network module piping in low-temperature environments, guaranteeing normal water supply during winter. This allows the sprinkler system to operate stably throughout the year under varying seasons and temperatures, while also reducing corrosion and wear on the pipe walls, mitigating structural damage caused by thermal expansion and contraction, extending pipe lifespan, and reducing maintenance and replacement costs.

[0041] Combination Figure 3 According to another aspect of the present invention, a control method for an automated spray cleaning system for distributed photovoltaic modules is provided, the control method comprising: S1. Set the spraying parameters based on the environmental monitoring data of the photovoltaic module, the water meter monitoring data and the spraying monitoring data. The spraying parameters include the spraying cycle, duration and water consumption. S2. Control the opening or closing of the valve of the remote valve control water meter according to the set spray parameters to supply water to the spray network module and spray the photovoltaic modules for cleaning. S3. Collect and monitor water meter monitoring data and sprinkler monitoring data in real time during the sprinkler process, and upload the water meter monitoring data and sprinkler monitoring data to the terminal control unit. S4. When the preset spraying conditions are met, the terminal control unit sends a valve closing command, the spraying stops, the cleaning data for this cleaning session is recorded, and a log is generated; or... When abnormal water meter monitoring data or sprinkler monitoring data is detected, an early warning message is immediately sent and an emergency shutdown operation is performed.

[0042] Specifically, staff use the terminal control unit to set spraying parameters based on the actual conditions of the factory area, such as recent high dust levels, predicted rainfall, or high pollutant concentrations in certain areas. These parameters include, but are not limited to, single spraying duration (e.g., 10-15 minutes), water consumption per photovoltaic module (e.g., 0.5-1L), spraying cycle (e.g., once every two weeks), water pressure threshold (e.g., 0.25-0.3MPa), and water consumption limit. These parameters are stored in the monitoring module. When the preset spraying time is reached, or other triggering conditions are met, such as manual activation or a significant year-on-year decrease in photovoltaic module power generation, the terminal control unit sends a valve opening command to the remote valve control water meter in the corresponding area. The remote valve control water meter then opens, and water flows through the main water supply pipe and branch pipes to the spray nozzles, which begin spraying and cleaning the photovoltaic modules. During the spraying process, the data acquisition unit continuously monitors the water flow from the remote valve control water meter. The system acquires water consumption data and pressure data from the water pressure detection unit, and uploads this data to the terminal control unit in real time. The terminal control unit displays the data in chart or numerical form for staff to monitor in real time. Simultaneously, this data is continuously compared with preset spray parameters. When the spray duration reaches the set value, or the cumulative water consumption reaches the set upper limit, the terminal control unit determines that the preset spray conditions have been met and sends a valve closing command to the remote valve control water meter, stopping the spray. At the same time, the system automatically records information such as the area cleaned, water consumption, duration, start and end times, generating a cleaning log and storing it in the data storage unit. If abnormal data such as a sudden increase or decrease in water consumption, persistently low water pressure, or persistently high water pressure is detected, the terminal control unit immediately sends an early warning message to the staff terminal and automatically sends a valve closing command to the corresponding remote valve control water meter to execute an emergency shutdown and prevent further damage.

[0043] This control method eliminates the need for manual on-site operation throughout the entire process, from parameter setting and water supply startup to spray cleaning and automatic shutdown. It completely replaces traditional manual cleaning, significantly improving cleaning efficiency. Adapting to the dispersed layout of distributed photovoltaic modules, it achieves fully automated cleaning and automatic shutdown via preset spray conditions. Combined with precise water supply control via remote valve-controlled water meters, it enables precise water management, avoiding water waste caused by excessive supply and reducing water costs in industrial plants. Spray parameters can be set according to the actual operating conditions of the photovoltaic modules, avoiding indiscriminate cleaning that leads to water waste or incomplete cleaning. This ensures the cleaning operation is more tailored to the characteristics of the photovoltaic modules in the industrial plant, improving cleaning effectiveness and better maintaining the power generation efficiency of the photovoltaic modules. Real-time monitoring and early warning of abnormal operating data, as well as emergency shutdown of faulty areas, can quickly cut off the water supply to prevent the fault from escalating, such as water leakage causing significant water waste or damage to spray heads due to excessive water pressure. This ensures system operational safety and reduces economic losses caused by malfunctions. The recording of cleaning data and the generation of cleaning logs provide complete data support for subsequent operation and maintenance analysis. Staff can continuously optimize spray parameters and improve the cleaning efficiency and operational stability of the system by analyzing historical cleaning data.

[0044] It should be understood that the specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative or explanatory of the principles of the invention and do not constitute a limitation thereof. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention should be included within the protection scope of the invention. Furthermore, the appended claims are intended to cover all variations and modifications falling within the scope and boundaries of the appended claims, or equivalent forms of such scope and boundaries.

Claims

1. An automated spray cleaning system for distributed photovoltaic modules, characterized in that, The system includes a monitoring module, a remote valve-controlled water meter, and a sprinkler network module; The monitoring module is communicatively connected to the remote valve control water meter and the sprinkler network module. The remote valve control water meter is installed at the water supply pipeline node of the sprinkler network module. The sprinkler network module and photovoltaic modules are arranged alternately. The monitoring module is used to generate spraying parameters based on environmental monitoring data of photovoltaic modules, water meter monitoring data and spraying monitoring data. The remote valve control water meter is used to control the valve to open or close according to the spray parameters to supply water to the spray network module. The spray network module is used to spray and clean the photovoltaic modules.

2. The automated spray cleaning system for distributed photovoltaic modules according to claim 1, characterized in that, The remote valve-controlled water meter includes a water meter body, a communication module, and an electric valve. The communication module and the electric valve are integrated inside the water meter body. The water meter monitoring data includes the operating data of the water meter body. The communication module is used to receive the spraying parameters sent by the monitoring module, and control the electric valve according to the spraying parameters to realize the water flow interruption of the spraying network module; The communication module is also used to upload the operating data of the water meter body to the monitoring module.

3. The automated spray cleaning system for distributed photovoltaic modules according to claim 2, characterized in that, The remote valve-controlled water meter also includes an anti-freeze structure, which includes a sealing gasket and a shock-absorbing bracket. The sealing gasket is installed at the connection between the water meter body and the spray network module and / or on the periphery of the dial of the water meter body, and the shock-absorbing bracket is installed on the outside of the water meter body.

4. The automated spray cleaning system for distributed photovoltaic modules according to claim 3, characterized in that, The antifreeze structure also includes insulation material and a protective box, which are wrapped around the outside of the water meter body; the protective box is provided with a data transmission interface, and the communication module communicates with the monitoring module through the data transmission interface.

5. The automated spray cleaning system for distributed photovoltaic modules according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sprinkler network module includes a main water supply pipe, branch water pipes, and sprinkler heads; The main water supply pipe is arranged along the direction of the photovoltaic module array. A branch water pipe is provided between every two rows of photovoltaic modules. Each branch water pipe is equipped with one or more spray nozzles. The main water supply pipe and each branch water pipe are equipped with a remote valve control water meter.

6. The automated spray cleaning system for distributed photovoltaic modules according to claim 5, characterized in that, The sprinkler monitoring data includes water pressure data from the sprinkler network module. The sprinkler network module also includes a water pressure detection unit, which is installed on the main water supply pipe and / or the branch water pipe to detect the water pressure in the pipe and transmit the water pressure data to the monitoring module.

7. The automated spray cleaning system for distributed photovoltaic modules according to claim 6, characterized in that, The monitoring module includes a data acquisition unit and a terminal control unit, and the data acquisition unit is communicatively connected to the terminal control unit. The data acquisition unit is used to acquire environmental monitoring data of photovoltaic modules, water meter monitoring data and sprinkler monitoring data and transmit them to the terminal control unit. The terminal control unit generates spraying parameters based on the environmental monitoring data of the photovoltaic module, the water meter monitoring data, and the spraying monitoring data, and sends control commands to the remote valve-controlled water meter. The environmental monitoring data includes the degree of dirtiness of the photovoltaic modules, local weather conditions, and the concentration of pollutants in the factory area.

8. The automated spray cleaning system for distributed photovoltaic modules according to claim 7, characterized in that, The monitoring module also includes a data storage unit. The data acquisition unit and the terminal control unit are both communicatively connected to the data storage unit. The data storage unit is used to store the collected water usage data, sprinkler operation data, and cleaning logs.

9. The automated spray cleaning system for distributed photovoltaic modules according to claim 5, characterized in that, Both the main water supply pipe and the branch water pipes are wrapped with rubber and plastic insulation pipes.

10. A control method for an automated spray cleaning system for distributed photovoltaic modules, characterized in that, The control method includes: S1. Set the spraying parameters based on the environmental monitoring data of the photovoltaic module, the water meter monitoring data and the spraying monitoring data. The spraying parameters include the spraying cycle, duration and water consumption. S2. Control the opening or closing of the valve of the remote valve control water meter according to the set spray parameters to supply water to the spray network module and spray the photovoltaic modules for cleaning. S3. Collect and monitor water meter monitoring data and sprinkler monitoring data in real time during the sprinkler process, and upload the water meter monitoring data and sprinkler monitoring data to the terminal control unit. S4. When the preset spraying conditions are met, the terminal control unit sends a valve closing command, the spraying stops, the cleaning data for this cleaning session is recorded, and a log is generated; or... When abnormal water meter monitoring data or sprinkler monitoring data is detected, an early warning message is immediately sent and an emergency shutdown operation is performed.

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